International Pet Travel Services in Sarasota, FL
Taking your dog or cat abroad can be overwhelming, especially with all the paperwork, timelines, and requirements to consider. At University Animal Clinic, we hope to make your journey easier by helping you figure out what your destination requires and getting the right health certificate(s) you may need. We want you and your pet to travel safely and legally!
Getting Your Pet Ready for International Travel
If you're planning an international trip with your pet, keep in mind that there may also be waiting periods, additional vaccinations, diagnostic tests (such as rabies titer tests for certain destinations), and official endorsements. Since all of this can take weeks or even months, schedule an exam for your pet as soon as you start making plans!
What Do I Need to Travel Out of the Country With My Pet?
Requirements are set by your destination country and can include microchipping, specific vaccines and timing, parasite treatments, blood tests, and a veterinarian-issued health certificate that may need USDA endorsement. You should also verify airline policies and any rules for countries you transit through on the way to your final destination.
The most common needs for international pet travel are:
- Country-specific health certificate completion and document review
- Pre-travel physical exam and verification of microchip and vaccination dates
- Guidance on airline policies (in-cabin vs. cargo), route planning, and transit country rules
- Coordination for USDA endorsement when required
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians at University Animal Clinic
Our USDA-accredited veterinarians have experience preparing international health certificates and coordinating endorsements. We’ll review your pet’s medical history, verify microchip and vaccine timing, complete the correct forms, and help you meet airline and border requirements with confidence.
Find Your Destination Country’s Requirements
Use the USDA APHIS tool to select your destination and see the exact veterinary documents, timelines, and treatments required. We recommend starting as early as possible to avoid delays.
The U.S. Department of State offers high-level guidance on traveling with pets, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) provides the exact entry requirements and forms for each destination country.
Where Can I Find What My Pet Needs to Travel on a Plane?
Being prepared can make the entire journey smoother. Airlines set specific rules for carriers and routing, so confirm details with your carrier early. Choose an airline-approved kennel where your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and decide whether your pet will fly in-cabin or as checked/cargo based on size, health, and airline options.
Pet Plane Travel Preparation: Carrier Size, Cabin vs. Cargo, and What to Bring
- Carrier sizing: Measure shoulder height and body length; pick a well-ventilated, sturdy kennel with secure latches. Add absorbent bedding and label with your contact info.
- Cabin vs. cargo: In-cabin travel is usually limited by carrier dimensions and pet weight. Cargo travel may have seasonal temperature restrictions and breed limitations—plan routes and times to avoid heat/cold extremes.
- Gear checklist: ID tag and microchip, printed/digital health documents, leash and harness, extra collar tags/zip ties, collapsible bowl, small portions of food, familiar towel/toy, and waste bags. Avoid heavy meals right before departure.
- Airport & security: Arrive early. Pets are removed from the carrier for screening—never send your pet through the X-ray. Locate pet relief areas in advance and allow extra time for connections.
- Health considerations: Discuss motion sickness, anxiety, and any medications with your veterinarian; avoid sedation unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it for your pet.
More Resources for Air Travel with Pets
If you’re preparing to fly with your dog or cat, the following official resources are a great place to start your research. They cover airline rules, carrier sizing, security screening, and traveler protections. Review these and your airline’s policy page before you book.
- Airlines for America
- Animal Transportation Association
- International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Plan Beyond Transportation
The way you travel—plane, boat, bus, or car—is only one piece of the puzzle. Be sure to plan for everything that happens before and after the trip, too: lodging, ground transportation, nearby pet-friendly spaces, and emergency care at your destination. A little advance work here prevents last-minute surprises.
- Hotels: Confirm pet policies, fees/deposits, size/weight limits, number of pets allowed, and whether a crate is required when unattended.
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO): Ask about pets explicitly; check cleaning fees, yard fencing, and any HOA/building rules.
- Rental cars & rideshare: Verify pet policies and whether a crate or seat cover is required to avoid extra cleaning fees.
- Local pet-friendly areas: Map out relief areas at airports, nearby parks/trails, and beaches; review leash rules and seasonal restrictions.
- Emergency veterinary care: Save contact info for 24/7 clinics near your destination and along your route; keep a copy offline.
If you are planning to take your pet from the United States to another country, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination country's pet entry requirements, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments, and assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate or other needed paperwork. Find a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
Schedule Your International Travel Consultation
International pet travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Call (941) 253-5218 to schedule a USDA-accredited travel visit with University Animal Clinic in Sarasota, FL. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on the journey. Prior to you International Travel Consultation with us, be sure to fill out the pre-appointment paperwork available here.
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